into the wreck

One of the best novels I’ve read this year from an unusually gifted writer -- Edel Coffey * Irish Times *
An immersive exploration of grief . . . Wittily explores the fragile dynamics of a family navigating the loss of a father . . . Dickey's background as a poet is more than evident . . . The language is sharp and spare, yet deeply affecting; the five voices each unique and necessary, each one helping the reader better understand the fragile architecture of a family at odds with itself. There are no wasted words in this novel. The humour is observational and pithy . . . Dickey's powerful words encourage us to explore our own buried tragedies and unsung truths -- Joanna Cannon * Guardian *
Constantly surprises you with prose that knocks the wind out of your chest . . . Dickey’s prose is razor sharp, and even more so when she moves so effortlessly from character to character, the weight of the adults’ lives wholly different to the fleeting but all-consuming issues facing the children … So astute … This book should be added to your to-be-read pile without a second thought -- Aoife Rooney * Irish Independent *
In precise prose, Dickey catalogues the feelings of these flawed characters as they contemplate the haunted past and hopeful future -- Eithne Farry * Mail on Sunday *
Grief and recrimination is leavened by arch humour, but above all, the book is a moving reflection on the unknowability of human beings, and the gulf between how others see us and how we see ourselves * The Week, Novel of the Week *
Embeds personal silence in a broader network of social and political questions, enmeshing the story in the everyday life of contemporary Ulster -- Gemini McKee * Belfast Telegraph *
into the wreck is an intriguing, witty, moving and complex interrogation of modern Irish history, family, messy grief, and indomitable connections. Dickey is a wonderfully stylish writer with an unwavering eye for the truths of relationships: however squalid or sweet these truths may in fact be -- JOHN PATRICK McHUGH, author of Fun and Games
I absolutely gulped down into the wreck.Dickey’s prose, as ever, is perfectly calibrated. I can’t think of a contemporary writer who tackles modern relationships with fiercer wit and greater wisdom – these characters spike off the page -- A. K. BLAKEMORE, Desmond Elliot Prize-winning author of The Glutton
A superb piece of work. Incredibly moving, powerfully written. Substantial in its themes, profound in its interrogation of familial relationships, Susannah Dickey beautifully articulates the divergent existential experiences of parents and their children, teasing out the deeply uncomfortable and often painful situations arising in the aftermath of loss -- MICHAEL MAGEE, Nero Book Award-winning author of Close to Home
Susannah Dickey is an unreasonably bright, wise and funny writer. into the wreck is a timeless, moving novel about the grip that family and birthplace hold on our lives. The novel bears its heavy contemplations with ease, assurance, perspective, humour and generosity. The vaults of Irish literature are newly enriched -- CAOILINN HUGHES, author of The Wild Laughter
In this wonderful novel, the narrators complicate one another as they share their interiority and personal struggles to know the people they love . . . Susannah Dickey creates a rich, sensitive and vivid portrait of a family keening to understand each other and themselves -- AMY KEY, author of Arrangements in Blue
into the wreck is a haunting masterpiece that captures the quiet and deadly drama of everyday family life. Set against the shadows of the North, we are immersed into what forms a family, what holds it together and how the ordinary becomes epic. into the wreck is a meditation on intimacy and endurance. Dickey’s storytelling is both forensic and tender — and she has a rare gift for illuminating the beauty in the banal. The novel feels simultaneously grounded in the present and touched by something otherworldly. Utterly original, compelling, sardonic, brutal, visceral and emotionally devastating, this is easily one of the best books I’ve read this year -- ELAINE FEENEY, Booker Prize-longlisted author of How to Build a Boat
Expertly captures the interior panic of youth. Beware you may spot yourself in these pages -- ALAN DAVIES
Susannah Dickey is a favourite new find – she’s a terrific Northern Irish novelist and poet -- Elizabeth Day * Good Housekeeping *
Dickey’s use of language, right down to individual choice of words, is carefully and artfully considered -- Alistair Braidwood * The Skinny *
Perfectly judged . . . A surprising, clever, sad and strange book which I am still thinking about long after finishing - and yet such a propulsive joy to read too -- MEGAN NOLAN, on Common Decency
Her turn of phrase, ear for dialogue, wry humour and power of observation are masterful -- NELL FRIZZELL, on Common Decency
An insightful exploration of family dynamics punctuated with Dickey’s trademark wit and empathy * Country & Town House *
Dicky has managed to imbue into the wreck with some truly arresting imagery while also putting a wholly fresh spin on the family saga, which, here, feels authentically tangled * The Crack *